The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush

MEDIA ARTS CLASS

Teacher: Louis Mazza
lmazza@philasd.org


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What is an ARTIST STATEMENT?
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Q: Why do I have to write an artist statement? It's stupid. If I wanted to write to express myself I would have been a writer.
The whole idea of my art is to say things visually. Why can't people just look at my art and take away whatever experiences they will?


A: Artist statements are not stupid; they're essential. And you don't have to be a writer to write one.

On this planet, people communicate through language, and your artist statement introduces and communicates the language component of your art. People who come into contact with your art and want to know more will have questions. When you're there, they ask you and you answer. When you're not there, your artist statement answers for you.

:: An artist statement is what, how, and why you do what you do, from your perspective.

:: Writing an artist statement gives you another way to reflect on your work

:: An artist statement contains information on your vision and ideas.

Answer some or all of these questions as simply as you can.
Your answers will practically write the statement for you.


1. What is your favorite tool? Why?
2. What is your favorite material? Why?
3. What do you mean when you say that a piece has turned out really well?
4. What patterns emerge in your work? Is there a pattern in the way you select materials? In the way you use color, texture or light?
5. What is your favorite color? List three qualities of the color. Consider that these qualities apply to your work.
6. What do you see in your artwork?
7.What do other people say they see?
8. Who or what inspires you?
9. Explain where you got your inspiration or ideas from in creating the work
10. Explain how you incorporated these ideas into your finished work
11. State what kind of message you were trying to communicate to the viewer (mood, feeling, emotions, etc.)
12. Explain why you enjoyed working on this piece.
13. Explain what makes this a successful work of art